Treatment Options
If treatment is needed for palate cancer, there are plenty of options out there. Like other oral cancers, early detection is the key to ensuring that palate cancer is addressed quickly. Doing so will increase your chances for success and ensure that its removal does the least damage to the surrounding tissue.
Hard palate cancer is highly curable when found and diagnosed as early as possible. When this is the case, treatment often involves surgery performed by a head and neck cancer surgeon. If things advance, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of them is used to shrink the tumor (either before or after surgery). In some instances, radiation may be the only treatment needed.
Soft palate cancer treatment depends on many factors, like the size and location of the cancer. Treatment can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitative services (for swallowing, speech, etc.) and palliative care (to relieve the pain or symptoms of other affected areas) may also be needed. If the tumor is small, surgery can be done without an overnight stay at the hospital. If the cancer is bigger, then more extensive surgery is required.
Now you have all the essential information about palate cancer. You know what signs to look out for, like ulcers or bad breath. And you know that if any oral symptoms last for more than two weeks, that you need to let your dentist know right away. Remember, preventing palate cancer is easier than treating it. So, avoiding risk factors like using tobacco helps. Lastly, early detection is always best as it tends to limit the scope of treatment and the damage caused by repair. Stay on top of your dental care and if you have any concerns about symptoms in your mouth, call your dental professional right away.